Are you applying to Royal Mail? There are a number of varied positions available on both the Royal Mail graduate scheme and internship programs. There are also a number of other positions available on a rolling basis. Let us here at JobTestPrep act as your guide through the entire process giving you valuable tips and advice throughout the entire process.

Prepare for Royal Mail's Tests

Practice for your test with Talent Q practice tests, the same tests used by Royal Mail

Royal Mail is one of the most recognisable brands in the UK. The company is going through a massive transformation programme, shifting from letters to parcels and special items, and providing opportunities for graduates now and into the future. The recruitment process for the graduate programme has changed recently, so this guide follows the new process for graduate recruitment. Applicants for other jobs at Royal Mail will find this guide useful for the elements included in their own recruitment.

There are 9 programmes for graduates at Royal Mail, following two routes. The first route contains Operations, Logistics, Engineering and other more technical areas. The second route is for corporate functions, for example Commercial or Technology. You can only apply to one, so make sure to research in advance which one you are most suited to. There are different competencies required for each role, and you should demonstrate your ability to do them throughout the application process.

The Royal Mail Application Form

Upon choosing the correct scheme that you wish to apply for, you need to complete the Royal Mail application form. This is the first step in the Royal Mail recruitment process and it is important to make a good impression from the word go. There are some differences in the application form if you are applying to the Royal Mail graduate scheme but on the whole the process is thus:

You are given the opportunity to enter your previous job experiences, what your role was and what you gained from it. There is plenty of space to complete your answer and it should include not only what you did, but also how you grew from it in relation to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a managerial position you have to demonstrate in your answer that you have the skills and have shown them in the past.

There are also a number of different Royal Mail application questions as part of the online application. They generally have to do with your willingness to travel, often difficult work hours as well as why you want to work for Royal Mail. Use this opportunity to show why you really want to work for Royal Mail and how well you will fit in. For more information on answer these competency based questions click here.

Once you have completed the Royal Mail application form you will be invited to take the Royal Mail aptitude tests.

The Royal Mail Online Aptitude Tests

The next step of the Royal Mail recruitment process are the Royal Mail online tests. These tests are supplied by the Talent Q group and there are four possible tests that you may receive from the Royal Mail assessment test battery. Whilst any role from supervisors and up will be taking the Talent Q Elements tests, all other roles with be taking tests from the Aspects series. The majority of the tests you will sit are Talent Q Elements test, but you will also be asked to take a Talent Q Dimensions personality test. Find out more here.

Royal Mail Personality Test

This test is given to every candidate and there is no time limit to it. You will be presented with a series of different statements and you have to rate them in terms of trueness to your personality. This is on a five step scale with the most liked being “very true” and the lowest level to choose is “completely untrue”. By practising these tests and learning how they work and the psychology behind them you will be able to answer these questions precisely the way Royal Mail wants you to. Find out more here.

Royal Mail Checking Test

In this test you will be given a postcode or full address that you have to compare to many different but similar ones. This tests your accuracy as well as your ability to work quickly and under pressure. This test is particularly useful for those applying for a post carrier position.

Royal Mail Numerical Test

In this Talent Q numerical test you will be presented with some different numerical data, generally in the form of tables and some instructions relating to these figures. You will have to answer questions relating to these figures. You will have 90 seconds for the first question with each subsequent question giving you less time. Find out more information and get practising here.

Royal Mail Verbal Test

In this Royal Mail assessment test you will be presented with two or three paragraphs relating to a sometimes esoteric topic. You have to analyse the text and answer the question for which you are given six different options. The average completion time for this Talent Q Royal Mail test is 12 minutes thus giving you only a short amount of time to prove yourself worthy of the next stage. Make sure you practise these tests so as not put yourself at a disadvantage. Learn more about these tests here.

Royal Mail Logical Reasoning Test

Most candidates will also be requested to take this 12 minute logical reasoning test. This is a diagrammatical test that assesses your ability to form abstract rules and apply them to a series of patterns. Each question contains a logical sequence will one step missing along the way. You have to select the missing shape from the different options. Find out how we can help you with this logical reasoning test here.